Administrative assistant positions generally encompass various levels of responsibility and duties. The basic role of an administrative assistant is to provide secretarial level support to management, ranging from telephone duties to office management. Depending on your specific role in an organization, you can describe your administrative assistant experience in numerous ways on your resume.

The Receptionist

A receptionist position requires the least amount of administrative skill. The main responsibility of a receptionist is to make sure all telephone calls are answered and directed to the appropriate parties. A receptionist may be responsible for the maintenance of an accurate messaging system and distribution of all messages in a timely manner. Greeting office visitors and directing them to their desired destination is another duty of a receptionist. When listing your receptionist position on a resume, use descriptive words to highlight your professionalism and manners. Also incorporate clerical duties, like light typing, ordering supplies and running errands into your description.

Entry Level Assistant

Office assistants handle numerous responsibilities in the office setting. Your tasks may be assigned from several different supervisors, as your job is to assist with various administrative needs. In your description, state that you carried out office duties as directed by multiple managers. Also include your responsibilities with the office's filing system and computerized database. You may also be responsible for typing company documents, meeting minutes, letters and reports. Be sure to include your daily distribution of mail and any assigned banking responsibilities.

Office Manager

Office managers perform several clerical duties, but they are additionally responsible for the day-to-day organization of the office and its employees. As an office manager, you may handle human resources tasks, like conducting interviews, completing documents and providing training for new employees. Facilities management is another common responsibility of an office manager. On your resume, you will want to highlight all of these duties, and perhaps include a sentence about coordinating office repairs and establishing safety initiatives for staff members. Also add any office event-planning experience you may have, such as holiday parties and training conferences.

Executive Assistant

An executive assistant performs the highest level of administration work. The executive assistant works directly with the highest ranked executives in an organization, often acting as a representative of upper management to staff and outside business partners. In your job description, list the title of your managing executive. A higher title adds credibility to your position as his or her executive assistant. Also add your ability to adequately screen calls and handle appropriate issues independently of your supervisor. Include your duties to make travel arrangements and coordinate meetings. Also incorporate any report preparation and usage of specific computer programs.

About the Author

Erika Winston is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, with more than 15 years of writing experience. Her articles have appeared in such magazines as Imara, Corporate Colors E-zine and Enterprise Virginia. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Regent University and a Masters in public policy from New England College.